When composing the list of literature, we decided to separate some of the material in a section that everyone would be well served to explore. Having an understanding of the business side of game development is important for everyone interested in starting a company; and just not the appointed CEO (although he should of course have a somewhat deeper understanding of it). In this section, you'll find books that introduces you to the business aspects of game development, as well as handy guides that'll help you understand the medium and culture of games better. We also included some books that can start you out making your first games and game prototypes using the very accessible tool Game Maker.

Mr. Ernest Adams, the founder of the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), explains exactly what you need to do to become a game designer, tester, artist, producer, programmer, writer, soundtrack composer, videographer, or sales/marketing professional. You'll get full-spectrum coverage of positions available within the game industry as well as details on how a game is created - from start to finish - and much more.

This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to succeed in the game industry, answering the question "what does it take to be a successful video game producer?" It is for those who yearn to achieve excellence in their work--individuals whose desire for excellence will define their careers in the entertainment software industry. It is for students who view the video game industry from the outside and want the knowledge and skills to succeed inside this burgeoning future of entertainment.

This book may seem a bit out of place in a list of literature on games, but its certainly a worthwhile read for anyone who wants to further their understanding of visual language and the way the human brain understands and manipulates shapes and compositions.

If you are new to the field of game development and want a taste of what it's like to create a game, the Game Maker engine is a great start and this book will teach you all about how to utilize it to its full potential. Knowing how to work with Game Maker isn't just valuable as a stepping stone to 'real' game creation though, as it's an extremely powerful tool for those who can use it well (there's plenty of great Game Maker games you can check out online). But beyond that, it's also a great tool for prototyping your games digitally and trying out new game mechanics before implementing them into more cumbersome engines. Also check out its sequel The Game Maker's Companion if you want to delve deeper into the Game Maker engine.